the last heir-sirius black daughter&son

The patronus

Harry was in his dorm, looking at the roof, thinking, when he heard the door opening. When he realized that it was Alphard, he relaxed.

"Harry, are you all right?"

"Yeah, um, I'm sorry abou-"

"No worries, I'm used to it by now."

"No, really, he is your father after all. I shouldn't say that to you, mate."

"What are you thinking about?" said Alphard.

"Nothing," said Harry.

"Harryyyy," said Alphard, raising an eyebrow.

"Professor Lupin said that he'll teach me how to defeat the Dementors," said Harry.

"Well, that's great!" said Alphard, standing up.

"Wait, what? Really? You're not going to scold me?"

"Harry, we've been friends for almost 3 years, come on. Besides, do I look like Hermione to you?"

Harry giggled.

"Don't tell her I said that," said Alphard.

As they walked down through the common room, they talked about how Hermione shouldn't have told McGonagall about the Firebolt.

Harry knew that Hermione had meant well, but that didn't stop him from being angry with her. They had been the owners of the best broom in the world for a few short hours, and now, because of her interference, he didn't know whether he would ever see it again. He was positive that there was nothing wrong with the Firebolt now, but what sort of state would it be in once it had been subjected to all sorts of anti-jinx tests?

Alphard and Ron were furious with Hermione too. As far as he was concerned, the stripping-down of a brand-new Firebolt was nothing less than criminal damage. Hermione, who remained convinced that she had acted for the best, started avoiding the common room. Harry and Ron supposed she had taken refuge in the library and didn't try to persuade her to come back. All in all, they were glad when the rest of the school returned shortly after New Year, and Gryffindor Tower became crowded and noisy again.

Wood sought Harry out on the night before term started.

"Had a good Christmas?" he said, and then, without waiting for an answer, he sat down, lowered his voice, and said, "I've been doing some thinking over Christmas, Harry. After the last match, you know. If the Dementors come to the next one... I mean... we can't afford you to -- well --" Wood broke off, looking awkward.

"I'm working on it," said Harry quickly.

"Professor Lupin said he'd train him to ward off the Dementors. He should be starting this week. He said he'd have time after Christmas," said Alphard.

"Ah," said Wood, his expression clearing. "Well, in that case -- I really didn't want to lose you as Seeker, Harry. And have you two ordered a new broom yet?"

"No," said Harry.

"What! You'd better get a move on, you know -- you can't ride that Shooting Star against Ravenclaw!"

"We got a Firebolt for Christmas," said Alphard.

"A Firebolt? No! Seriously? A -- a real Firebolt?"

"Don't get excited, Oliver," said Harry gloomily. "I haven't got it anymore. It was confiscated." And he explained all about how the Firebolt was now being checked for jinxes.

"Jinxed? How could it be jinxed?"

"Sirius Black," Harry said wearily. "He's supposed to be after me. So McGonagall reckons he might have sent it."